Protect Your Child from Colds & Flu
by Shelagh MachinIt’s fall, and that chill in the air means the cold and influenza (flu) season is once again upon us. Over the next few months, we will see lots of sniffles, sneezes, coughs, sore throats and other symptoms in children and adults alike.
Colds and the flu are more common during the winter months, with flu season starting in November and lasting until April. Contrary to popular belief, colds and flu are caused by viruses, not by exposure to cold air or going outside with wet hair. These viruses are spread through physical contact, such as when you touch, kiss or shake hands with infected people and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Many viruses can live for at least half an hour on hands, and for several hours on counter tops, toys and other surfaces. They are also spread through the air, on tiny droplets of infected water that come out when someone with a cold or flu sneezes or coughs. Although there is no way to keep your child away from the germs that cause colds and flu, there are some steps you can take to prevent these illnesses.
A cold or the flu?It’s probably a cold or even allergies if the only symptoms are sneezes, sniffles or a mild cough that came on gradually. It is more likely the flu or another serious viral infection if, along with the runny nose and sneezing, the person has a headache, fever, chills, body aches or a severe cough. These symptoms usually come on suddenly.
How do you prevent the cold or flu?Washing hands is the most effective way to prevent colds, flu and many other contagious diseases. Wash your hands often and teach your children to wash theirs, scrubbing with soap and warm water for at least 15-20 seconds (about as long as one verse of “Happy Birthday”). Hands should be washed before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, after touching pets and other animals or when someone around you is sick. Don’t use antibacterial soap as it leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (super bugs). Hand sanitizers with at least 60 per cent alcohol can be used instead of soap.
How else can you reduce the spread of germs? Teach your children to:
• “Cough into your cuff/sneeze into your sleeve.”
• Wash hands after touching their nose.
• Throw away used tissues and wash their hands afterwards.
• Not share items such as cups, glasses and utensils.
• Stay at home and away from other kids when they are not feeling well. Other parents will appreciate this!
Also, help your child to: • Get plenty of rest. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections.
• Eat healthy foods. Your body has a better chance of fighting harmful germs if you eat regular meals of healthy foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit.
• Brush teeth and gums. Brushing teeth and gums at least twice a day helps removes germs.
Some things that you can do• Use careful hygiene and regular housecleaning to prevent respiratory illnesses by changing cloth towels often and laundering them in hot water.
• Regularly wipe down all surfaces, including toys, with a virus-killing disinfectant.
• Avoid exposing young children, especially infants, to secondhand tobacco smoke, which can increase the risk of severe viral respiratory infections.
• Remember that antibiotics work against bacterial infections but not against viral infections such as colds and flu.
Another way to protect against the flu is to get immunized every year. Get your child immunized and get immunized yourself. Flu vaccine is recommended and provided free to all children aged six to 23 months as well as those in contact with children age 0 to 23 months. For information about the vaccine and who else qualifies for free influenza vaccine contact your local health unit, your family doctor, or visit
www.ImmunizeBC.caPaying attention to the basics can go a long way to keeping you and your child healthy throughout the year. Hope you have a great one!
Other Sources of information• BC Nurse Line 1-866-215-4700 (free)
• BC Health Guide online at
www.bchealthguide.org• Do Bugs Need Drugs Program at
www.dobugsneeddrugs.org• Health File #29 Protection against Germs and Disease at
www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles• Health File #85 Handwashing for Parents and Kids at
www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles•
www.ImmunizeBC.caShelagh Machin is an Immunization Program Coordinator for Child, Youth and Family Community Health, Vancouver Island Health Authority.
